“A work that aspires, however humbly, to the condition of art should carry its justification in every line...To snatch in a moment of courage, from the remorseless rush of time, a passing phase of life is only the beginning of the task. The task approached in tenderness and faith is to hold up unquestioningly, without choice and without fear, the rescued fragment before all eyes and in the light of a sincere mood. It is to show its vibration, its colour, its form; and through its movement, its form, and its colour, reveal the substance of its truth -- disclose its inspiring secret: the stress and passion within the core of each convincing moment. In a single-minded attempt of that kind, if one be deserving and fortunate, one may perchance attain to such clearness of sincerity that at last the presented vision of regret or pity, of terror or mirth, shall awaken in the hearts of the beholders that feeling of unavoidable solidarity; of the solidarity in mysterious origin, in toil, in joy, in hope, in uncertain fate, which binds men to each other and all mankind to the visible world.”

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About Joseph Conrad

Polish-British novelist and short story writer

Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British novelist and short story writer. He became one of the major figures in English-language fiction, even though he did not speak English fluently until his twenties. He is remembered for the force and style of his prose, and for bringing a non-English perspective into English literature. His work helped shape modern literary fiction through its precision, atmosphere, and distinctive narrative voice.

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Books by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness

2007

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The Secret Agent

2012

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Lord Jim

1996

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Nostromo

2007

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The shadow-line

2001

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